Posted June 14, 2010 by Laura Wagner

"Preparing Your Home To Sell"

 While watching an episode of “Sell This House” on HGTV I got to thinking about the importance of preparing your house to put it on the market.  I have compiled a list of easy things you can do to prepare your home for sale.

1.       Remove the clutter.  Buyers are looking for space, the extra furniture and clutter will cause the home to appear smaller.

2.       Clean out the closets. Closets are a big selling point for buyers especially the women. We love our shoes and need the space for them. If you have a neatly organized closet even if it’s small it will only help in the presentation of your home. So remember the keep the closets neat, clean, and organized.

3.       Remember to clean the exterior of the house. Curb appeal is a must. This is the first aspect of the home the buyer will see when driving up and walking in. Sweep the front porch, the backyard deck and make sure the cobwebs are removed.

4.       Wash the windows. Clean windows will add a little extra sparkle to the home.

5.       Recaulk the bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Polish the chrome faucets and don’t forget to bleach the dingy grout throughout the home.

6.       Make minor repairs before putting your home on the market. Leaky faucets, cracked floors or cracked tiles are an easy fix but if not attended to could drive a potential buyer away. Also remember to replace any burnt our light bulbs.

7.       It’s always a good idea to paint the walls a neutral color. When buyers walk in they want to imagine themselves living in the home and the neutral helps them to see their belongings in the home.

8.       Have the carpets professionally cleaned and the hardwoods polished or refinished.

9.       Keep the lawn mowed and plant bright colored flowers. Yellow flowers are said to sell so plant marigolds along the walk or by the front door.

10.   Give the paint on the curb with your house number a nice new coat. Through the years it has probably seen some inclement weather that has left it hard to read.

11.   Remove personal photographs. This can distract a potential buyer. I am guilty of this every time I show a house. I get easily distracted looking the pictures throughout the house. You don’t want to take the buyers attention away from the house.

12.   Also it’s a good idea to organize the kitchen cabinets and pantry. The buyer will look so keep it neatly organized.

I hope these few tips help when are ready to put your house on market and I hope you think of me when are you ready to do so!!!  For all your home buying, selling, or leasing needs please give me a call or shoot me an email and I would love to work for you!

 

laura@rogershealy. com  405.802.4855-cell